Fishing line casting apparatus



Oct. l, 1957 H. G. LOMBARD 2,808,043

FISHING LINE CASTING APPARATUS Filed oct. 1s, 1955 @fig 6.

atent 2,803,1)43 Patented Oct. i, 1957 hfice FISHING MNE CAsTnso APPARATUS Herman G. Lombard, Washington, D. C.; Pauline Lornbard, executrix of said Herman G. Lombard, deceased, assigner to Julius Lombard, Washington, D. C.

Application ctober 18, 1955, Serial No. 541,203

Claims. (Cl. 124-20) This invention relates in general to devices and apparatus for casting spinning lines such as fishing lines and similar cord, string or lightweight cable, or the like, in a wide range and variety of applications and uses.

Spinning is now commonly known as the method and means for casting a line from a reel having a stationary spool which allows the line to pay out freely over the end of the spool in uniform spiral-like convolutions. Conventional reels have spools that revolve as the line is taken off. The resistance of the revolving spool plus the starting friction thereof is not present in a spinning reel such that in using a spinning line, long easy casts are obtainable without possibility of backlash or snarling of the line which frequently takes place in a line `on a revolving spool Whenever the spool overruns the lines flow.

More particularly, the invention is directed to various improved forms of a compact, unitary combined hand spinning reel and sling type of catapult by which .a spinning line wound on the reel is adapted to be cast by the sling over relatively long distances in a simple and easy hand operation without the use or need for a rod and ythe associated cumbersome auxiliary equipment, tackle or gear heretofore employed.

The invention, in any form, is one of general utility in that it is readily employed in many kinds of spin-fishing, spear fishing, hunting, etc., while also being usable as rescue equipment for casting a light line leading from a life line, or from a rope attached to a life buoy, or in casting a lead line for a tow rope to or from a disabled boat, as well as for casting a pilot line to a mooring rope -or cable from or to a boat 'approaching a dock or pier to which it is to be secured. Various -other uses of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure, and accordingly, while the invention is described in connection with its use in fishing and related sports, it will be understood that the invention is not in any way limited to such use, but rather, is equally adaptable to many other applications and uses.

It is well known that in the sport of fishing, for example, the greatest pleasure and fun is enjoyed when itis possible to cast the bait or lure for long distances into a lake, stream or river. However, relatively few people have the skill and experience required for long casts with a rod and reel or by a twirling type of hand spinning reel inA forms of an improved spin-casting apparatus or devicel which comprises a combined spinning reel and sling type of catapult for projecting an object attached to aspinning line on the reel in a manner whereby the line easily spins from the reel for relatively long distances in a uniform j lineal path generally parallel to the central or longitudinal axis of the spinning reel. The casting operation requires but little skill or practice such that it is not unusual for a novice using the present invention to obtain casts equal to and surpassing the distance cast by experienced anglers using the most expensive casting rods and reels.

The hand `casting reel `of the invention, in any form, is operable with ease, safety and high eiiiciency and accuracy by reason of the fact that the spinning line is subject to only minimum resistance as it spills off the stationary reel spool or drum under the pronounced force of the associated sling. A further object of the invention, therefore, is to provide an improved apparatus for casting a spinning line under force of a sling in a manner whereby the lspinning line is easily cast considerable distances over a body of water such as a lake, river or stream, for example, and which apparatus is so simple and easily operated that excellent results are obtained when used by a novice as well as those skilled inthe art of casting.

Another object of the invention is to provide various forms of casting reels such as described which comprise a compact, portable, hand operated apparatus that requires no rod nor arm motion or wide swinging area as when casting with a rod and reel. inasmuch as any form of the invention requires only a simple hand operation in a minimum area, easy and highly accurate casting is possible from a sitting position in a row boat or canoe or in close quarters at the side of a crowded fishing vessel,r river bank or bridge, as well as in areas where there are low hanging branches, brush or other obstacles.

A further object of the invention is to provide various forms of hand casting reels, as aforesaid, comprising a combined reel and sling type of catapult in a highly simplified inexpensive construction which is strong, durable and reliable and admirably suited for economical quantity production at relatively low cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide such casting reels embodying a sling type catapult defined by a pouch and elastic bands connected directly to the reel.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved hand casting reel, as and for the purposes described, which is readily constructed at very low cost from standard metal or plastic tubing connected by ay special joint in either a separable or permanent assembly of the tubing in a completed apparatus.

An additional `object of the invention is to provide a similar hand casting reel in a highly simplified, low cost, one-piece construction which may be readily fabricated either as a one-piece metal stamping or as a one-piece cast metal or molded plastic article of manufacture.

Further objects and advantages, and other new and useful features in the construction, arrangement and general combination of elements and details of construction of the variousimproved forms of apparatus in accordance with the invention, will be readily apparent as the following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, in whichlke reference characters designate like parts throughout, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, showing one Aembodiment of a combined spinning reel and.

casting sling in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 1A is a side view of an alternate pouch which may be used in the sling employed in the apparatus of Fig. ,1;

Fig. 2 is a view of Fig. 1 in front elevation and partly in section along line 2 2 of Fig. 1, and shows the apparatus as provided with an attachment for the related uses of spear fishing or shooting arrows, or the like; and,

Fig. 3 is a sectional View of Fig. 1, onan enlarged scale, taken on line 3 3, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows the preferred doubled bands of the slingand the means for attaching the same in secured operative relation in the apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view partly in section,show ing a construction of the invention in a low-cost one-.-

piece metal stamping or as a one-piece cast metal or molded plastic article of manufacture; and,

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of Fig. 4, on an enlarged scale, taken on line 5i-5 looking in the direction' o f arrows, and illustrates an alternate type of b and for the sling provided by a single thickness of elastic strip', and the means for attachingthe same in a manner whichmay beemployed lin the apparatus of Eig. l and other. forms of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational View of an apparatus similar toFig. 4 which` is provided withv an outer. rotary reel or spool,` shown inl section, for rewinding, a spinningV line thereon by rotating or turning .said rotary reel or spool.

'Fig 7 is a front elevationzdi view/.of anotherfforrn of the invention cornprising'al fori; type of support, for `the sling and a rotary rel or spool `ad'apted. to be turned for rewinding a spinning line thereon; and,

Fig. 8 i's Aa sectional View of `Eig. 7 Online Sjlooku ing in the direction ofthe arrows.'A

Fig. 9 is ya perspective View of a further formi of; thev invention.

Figl` 10 is a perspective View of another embodiment of thinvention.' i Fig): 11` isr a perspective View.k of anadditionalforrn of theiiivention. t u

Fig. IZ'isa perspective View of st ill anotherembodimentfof theiinver'rtion: i A A 'Fig 13 shows another`- form o f the invention.

general construction aridI r'ganizationf of'a Ycombined operated' apparatus,wherein a body; member deiiriesfsaid spinning reel or a mounting for a spinningmreel at the for'vvai'diside of Asaid.body'rrierriber together with aisling4 at the rearward side. of saidbody` member adaptedto cast or project an 'object attached to aspinning line on thereel inl'a long, lineai path generally paralleltothew thatlthe'ternifspinning reel? referslto any suchreelin the form. of aspoorl, drum, orpegs, or'thelilre, on which aflinemay be wound and peeled ,therefrom in a series of uniform` spiral-like convolutions which straighten out,

in a long linealdirection generally parallel -to thecentral or longitudinal axis of thereel,V as aforesaid,

Likewise, thev term slingf refers to any such catapult similar `to a4 Slingshot rcomprising elastic bands or metallic spring means, or any equivalent sling comprising.aurnetalYV orrother spring orspring arm,V or they like, such as ebow similar to that in a bow` and arrow apparatus, or a springL actuated plungertor pistonpin a cylinder telescoped Within or otherwise dening ahspinningreel, as will beireadily,

understood from the present disclosure.

The .terr` object refers yto anyiobject or articlewhiol'iry is attached to the` spinningline and projectedby the` sling, and. thusindicates,` for example, a weight, sinler,`

lurez bait, float, shaft, spear or` other missilethatiis at; taehed to the spinning line and projectednby the .sling vin theg manner 'of a lSlingshot toV cast the spinning. line ,inV a;

long uniform lineal path, as aforesaid.

AIt'is also Yto be understood that as respectsr pany form.V

of theinvention in which `a memberior part is referred to as madel of metal, the invention fully contemplates any similar olf equivalent construction made of plastic, wood orother suitable material'.- i

Referring now, more particularly, to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows one form of the invention in .ahighly-simf pliedlow-cost construction `which maybe `readily fabricated from standard commercial forms ofplastic or metal.;

tubing or stampings providing such tubing. Preferably, there is employed the inexpensive standard commercial tubing made of aluminum which provides an apparatus that is advantageously light in weight, strong, durable and corrosion resistant as is highly desirable in salt water areas.

In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the body of the apparatus, designated generally 1 0, is provided by a section of large size tubing 12 which includes a portion defining an annular reel 14 in` the form of a spool or drum, or the like. Preferably, the tubing 12 is formed with a circumferential depression defining said reel portion 14 between a bead or shoulder 15 at the rearward end thereof and an outwardly flared annular flange or bead 16 at the forward endthereof for retaining the line Wound upon said reel 14. This large size tubing 12 isA advantageously provided in a diameter of six or seven inches or so, such that approximately` eighteen inches or more of line is contained in each convolution of the line rewound on the reel 14 which, ofcourse, provides for a most desirable quick rewinding of the line in a minimum of time and effort.

A narrow V-shaped notch or kerf 17 is provided in theredge of said flange 16 at the most desirable location for preventing unintended peeling off" of the line 1S wound uponthe reel as shown in Fig. l. Preferably such a notch 17 is formedV in the flange 16,at each side of the reel to accommodate both right and left handed users and, if desired, a series of these kerfs or notches 17 may be provided for clipping the line l'at any of several points. Such a kerf or notch17 is used to secure the spinning line 18 on the reel 14 when not in use, and otherwise serves to hold a needed slack portion of the spinning line out of the way if necessary, preparatory to casting, but with an instantaneous release of said spinning line 18 in the casting operation without in any way restraining or impedingthe flow of said spinning line 18.

Preferably, the terminal end of the spinning line 18 is provided by a length of heavier gauge line adapted to withstand the stresses of casting as well as frictional wear from sand and rocks. A slack portion is provided in the terminal end of the spinning line as illustrated in Fig. 1 and to this slack portion there are secured one or more hooks 20, a float 22, if-desired, and a weightor sinker 24 on the extremity of said line 18, for example.

The body 10 including the reel 14 is connected'to a smaller `tube 30A defining a handle 31 for the apparatus. Preferably the handle 31 is hollow for storing extra hooks, Weightsand other `equipment as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. l. Thelower open end of the handle 31 isclosed-in any suitable Way, asby a plasticA or metal cap 33 or equivalent corl; 33', Fig. 4l lln the low cost construction of the present example, the tube 30 likewise is provided from standard commercial `aluminum or plastic tubing and joined to the larger tube 12 in either a permanent `or detachable connection provided `by a hollow hub 34 drawn from the lower wall of said large tubc 12. Such a hollow hub 34 is -readily drawn from the aluminum material of said larger tube 12 andthe interior thereof defines an advantageous cup-shaped receptacle serving as a temporary resting place for the sinltcr 24, as illustrated in dotted lines inFig. l, when the apparatus is carried` about orf prepared for a casting The exterior of said hollow hub 34 may be designed for .either a separable or permanent joint orV connection to thewhandle 31 defined by the small tube 30, as aforesaid In a separable joint, said hollow hub 34 `is designed forV a close friction fit in the 4adjacent end of the tubular handle 31.to provide a 'connection which is tight and rigid butcapable of separation when it is desired todctachthc handle 31 from the body 10 to facilitate packaging in thesmallest size container or for storing `the apparatus in a tackle boxorglove compartment offan` automobile. forexample.

A permanent connection of the body 10, including theY reel 14, to the handle 31 is readily obtained by swaging or welding the hollow hub 34 to the adjoining end of the tubularhandle 31 or by employing Aan oversize core or plug 35,r Fig. 2, for expanding said hollow hub 34 into a locked connection with said handle 31. The use of such a core or plug`35 is intended in either a separable or permanent connection as a memberwhich seats in said hollow hub 34 and is provided with a socket 36 or equivalent stud for removably supporting a guide 38 which is employed in various other uses of the apparatus. In the present example, the guide 38 is shown in the form of a pin having a split lower end adapted to snap readily into and out of the socket 36. The upper end of said guide 38 is in the nature of a fork for supporting and guiding a pointed shaft, spearlor arrow 39 to which the spinning line 18 is attached, as shown in Fig. 2, in the use yof theapparatus for spear-fishing, hunting and surface fishing, or the like, by means of baited hooks attached to said shaft 39. The apparatus is otherwise usable with such a g-uide 38 for shooting a pointed spear or arrow 39, Fig. 2, in archery or target sports, etc., and in this relation, the spear or arrow is retrieved by the spinning line 18 when rewound on the reel 14 in the usual manner.

A -sling 40 is attached to the large tube 12 to extend in operative position at the rearward side thereof for engaging theV sinker 24 or other Object attached to the spinning line 18 such as the spear or arrow 39, Fig. 2, and projecting said object 24 through said large tube 12 in a usual casting operation by which the spinning line 18 is peeled off of the reel 14 at high speed under the pronounced fonce of said sling 40. The sling 40 is similar in operation and use to that employed in a conventional slingshot and may be of any character suitable for the purposes just described. In the present example, a sling construction and arrangement is provided by a leather pouch 42, or the like, serving as what may be termed the engager for the object attached to said spinning line 18 and projected by the sling. The pouch or object engager 42 is provided with a hole or eyelet 44 at each end thereof for receiving a loop in either a single or doubled length of rubber strip 46, or the like, delining an elastic band connected to each end of said pouch 42. The loop -in a band provided by a single length of rubber strip is bound or tied in the usual manner. In using a band composed `of a doubled length of rubber strip, Fig. 3, the bight thereof defines a loop 48, Fig. l, which may be connected in the holes 44 in the pouch 42 without need for binding said loop 48, thereby providing an important advantage and saving in this regard. The pouch 42 will not shift on the loops 48 if the holes or eyelets 44 thereof are provided in a width slightly smaller thanthe normal width of the doubled elastic strip 46 so that said doubled strip 46 is crimped edgewise in binding engagement with the edges of the holes 44 in a manner which prevents shifting of said pouch 42 in assembled relation with said loops 48. Such a loop 48 defined by the bight in a band 46 provided bya doubled'strip of elastic may otherwise be knotted where itiextends through the associated hole or eyelet 44 to positively secure the band to the pouch, if

desired. l f

' Likewise, a single or doubled strip of elastic defining said bands 46 may be connected to any other selected type of pouch or object engager. By way of example, Fig. 1A illustrates a pouch `or object engager 50 in the form of a receptacle comprising substantially a cup, or the likefor holding a lure 51, baited hook, etc., employed as the object attached to the spinning line 18 and projected by the sling in a casting operation. In the present example, the well known bucktail is illustrated, .in` dotted lines, -as such a lure comprising a hook concealed within a group of -camouaging strands. Such lures for spin fishing are usually especially weighted and thereby adapted for casting in the same manne'ras with the sinker 24, Fig. l, or by using the cup-shaped pouch or object engager 50, Fig.l 1A, which advantageously guards against accidental contact with the hook concealed within the lure 51. The cup-shaped pouch 50, Fig. lA, is provided in any suitable design to comprise a nger grip 52 on its closed end and holes or eyelets 54 at its forward end for attaching the bands 46 thereto substantially as described with reference to the pouch 42 shown in Fig. l. Preferably the cup-shaped pouch 56D, Fig. lA, is provided with its lower inner wall 56 inclined downwardly `and inwardly from the open end thereof as an added means for retaining the lure within said pouch or cup 5t) preparatory to a casting operation.

A distinct subject of invention of equal importance to the invention in the general organization of the apparatus resides in the method and means for securing the forward ends of the single or double elastic bands 46 of the sling in operative connected relation to opposite side walls of the large tube 12 without tying or binding the Vends of said singleordoubled elastic bands 46, thereby obtaining considerable savings in this regard for cost of materials and time and labor for assembly. Tothis end, eachV side wall of the large tube 12 defining the ybody of the apparatus is provided with a slot or perforated area 60 of the general character shown in Fig. 1 comprising an assembling opening 62 in communication with a relatively narrower securing slit 64. The assembling opening 62 is of a size suitable for ready passage of the -forward free ends of the doubled elastic band 46 while the securing'slit 64 is of a width considerably narrower than the overall thickness of said doubled band 46. This overall thickness of the doubled band 46 is the combined thickness of two elastic strips forming said doubled band, as aforesaid, such that the same must be reduced in thickness, as presently to be described, in order to enter into saidV securing slit 64. The assembling opening 62 and securingslit 64, Fig. l, are of a height substantially equal to or slightly less than the width of the doubled elastic band 46 and the perforated area or slot 60 is so arranged that the opening 62 may serve as a hole for binding or tying a looped portion of the band 46 therein in the event that the user prefers such a securing arrangement when a replacement band is installed.

In vassembling and securing the forward end of an elastic band in accordance with this invention, the doubled band 46, for example, 'is passed through the assembling opening 62 from either inside or outside of the wall of the tube 12. Preferably the band46 is passed through said opening from outside the wall of said tube 12 for most efficiency in the operation of the sling. The end of the band 46 is pulled through said assembling opening 62 until the remainder of the band extending to the pouch 42 is of the proper effective length. The band is then pulled simultaneously on opposite sides of the portion thereof in said opening 62 to stretch said portion as necessary to reduce the thickness thereof to a size thin enough to be slipped into the securing slit 64, as shown in Fig. 3. The band is then released and assumes its normal thickf ness except for the portion which is frictionally and grippingly compressed between the edges of said securing slit 64 in a manner which provides a positive fixed lock on the band in'such secured position. The free end of the band 46 inside the wall of the tube is then twisted as necessary to pass the same back through the assembling opening 62 where said free end is neatly held close to the wall of the tube 12. Preferably saidopening 62 is provided smaller in length than the width of the band 46, so that the'free end of said band must be squeezed therethrough and thereby very effectively retained in said opening 62, with any excess end portion thereof being cut off to enhance the appearance of the completed assembly. e

Figs. 4 and 5 include a showing of an alternate arrangement for retaining the free end of either a single or doubled elastic band and otherwise illustrate the similar for securing thereto the ends of either single or doubled elastic bands 46 or 46 as previously described.

Figs. 7 and 8 show another form of apparatus 110 in accordance with the invention which may be provided with either a xed or rotary reel, drum or spool, as and for the purposes described with reference to Fig. 6. The members of this form of apparatus may, likewise, be made of metal, plastic or wood, or a combination of these materials. The apparatus is constructed from a plate-like body 112 of any of said materials to comprise a pairy of spaced arms 114 defining a fork similar to a Slingshot with a sling 116 having its elastic bands frictionally secured in spaced slits 118 in the ends of said spaced arms 114. The body 112 is provided with an enlarged central portion mounting either a separate or integral fixed or rotary reel, drum or spool 122 made of sheet metal, plastic or wood, together with a handle 120 which preferably is tubular and closed on its lower end with a cork 121er a cap such as 33 in Fig. 1, or other suitable closure.

In a fixed construction of the reel, spool or drum 122 on the body 112, the body and reel may be provided as a low cost one-piece article of manufacture made of metal, plastic or wood, as aforesaid, In a construction comprising a rotary reel 122, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the body 112 is provided with a circular opening 123 defining a bearing for a reel 122 in the form or" a drum having a base 124 at its forward end. In the present example, the reel 122 is made of sheet metal bent to define a base 124 and a tubular portion 126 having an outwardly flared flange 128 at its forward end, an intermediate annular bead or shoulder 130, and a collar 132 on its rearward end which initially extends axially of the reel in position to be assembled in said circular openings 123 inthe body 112 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8. The collar 132 is then bent and formed into a flange engaging the rearward side of the body 112 adjacent the opening 123 therein in cooperation with the bead or shoulder 130 at the forward side of said body 112. The reel, drum or spool 122 is thereby secured in rotatable relation in said circular opening or bearing 123 in the body 112, and, to this end, there is provided a suitable crank in the form of a knob or roller 134 rotatably secured to the base 124 at the forward side of said reel, drum or spool 122. This form of the invention, otherwise, may be provided with any of the' desirable features or elements disclosed with reference to the previously described forms of the invention for operation and l use in the general manner described inconnectio-n with Figs. l and 2.

Fig. 9 shows a further form of apparatus 140 in accordance with the invention provided by a one-piece circular body 142 made of metal, plastic or wood together with a suitable handle 144. A sling 146 is attached to the circular `body 142 in any suitable way, preferably by any of the slot arrangements previously described with reference to Figs. 3, 5 and 6. A groupfof winding pegs 14S are radially spaced on the circular body 142 in a manner to define a reel for winding a line thereon and allowing'the same to peel off of said pegs 14S in the usual manner of a spinning line. A reel provided by a seriesof spaced pegs in this or any similar or related manner is advantageous in that a spinning line wound thereon dries in a relatively short period of time which, of course, helps in preserving the useful life of the line. In the present example, the arrangement is such that said pegs 148 provide essentially a vtubular reel projecting from the forward side of sai-d body 142 in concentric relation to the trajectory of an object propelled by the sling 146 along substantially the central or longitudinal axis of the reel dened by said pegs 143. The same general construction is readily provided in a one-piece stamping similarly to that of Fig. 4 in which relation the tubular body portion 71, Fig. 4, would be drawn as spaced circumferential sections which define or may be formed to provide a series of integral fingers similar to said pegs 148. This form of the invention, likewise, may be provided with any of the desirable features or y, 10` elements of thek previously disclosed fonis of' the invention for application and use in the manner described with reference t-o Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 10 discloses another form of apparatus 150 in accordance with the invention in whichthe body 151 of the apparatus yis provided to include spaced arms 152 defining a fork for a sling 154 in a construction similar to that described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8, together with a suitable handle 155 extending from an intermediate portion 156 of said body provided with pegs 158 defining a reel for a spinning line similarly to the peg-v type of reel described with reference to Fig. 9,. This form of the invention also may be provided with any of the desirable features, or elements in the previously described forms of the invention for operation and use in the manner'desc'ribed with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 11 discloses a further form of apparatus 160 in accordance with the invention in which the body of thel apparatus is provided by a tubular body member 161 of metal, plastic or`wood dening a ree1'162, spool or drum having a rearward base 164, if desired, together with a suitable -handle 166.` A sling in the form of a spring arm 168 is mounted in projecting relation to said reel or drum 162 in position to cast an object attached to the spinning line 18. Such a sling may be provided by a leaf spring or spring shaft made of any suitable spring metal or fiexible wood, for'instance. In the present example, the spring arm 168 is provided by a spring metal shaft having a threaded end portion secured in anyaperture in the tubular body 161 by lock nuts 170 on said threaded end portion clamped against the adjacent inner and outer walls of said tubular body 161. On the outer free end of said spring arm 168, thereis attached a cupshaped receptacle 172 including a knob or finger grip J174 similar to that shown and described with reference to Fig. 1A, and which serves as a holder or engager for the sinker, lure or other object attached to the lspinning line 18 and adapted to be projected by said spring arm 168 in a casting operation similar to that described with reference to Fig. 1. This form of the invention, otherwise, may be provided with any of the desirable features or elements in the previously described forms of the invention for operation and use in the manner described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 12 discloses another form of apparatus 180 in ac cordance with the invention in which the body of the. apparatus, likewise, is provided by a tubular metal, plastic or wood body member 182, open at both ends, and' defining a reel 184 provided with a handle 186 together with a guide 188 supported on thelower inner wall at: the rear of said tubular body member 182 in an arrange-V ment similar to that shown and described with reference to Fig. 2. A sling similar to a bow and arrow construe-- tion is provided in operative relation to the reel 184 in position to engage a pointed shaft 190, spear or arrow attached to the spinning line 18Y and supported on said guide 188 for a casting operation. In the present example, such a sling is shown provided by Va pair of spring arms 192 made of spring metal or wood and having their inner ends attached to opposite side walls of the tubular body member 182 in any suitable manner or, for example, by providing said spring arms 192 with threaded end portions and securing the same in apertures in the si-de walls of said tubular body member 182 by lock nuts 194 threaded on said threaded end portions and clamped against the adjacent inner and outer wall portions of said tubular body member 182. A string 196 is attached to the outer free ends of said spring arms 192 to complete the sling for engaging the shaft, spear or arrow and projecting the same in a casting operation similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 for spear-fishing yand hunting, etc. In surface fishing, or the like, the shaft 190 would be fioatable and provided with hooks 198 attached to said shaft 190 and/or hooks 19.9l

wall 204 integrally formed therewith for defined 'by a 's'cr'ew I threaded cap, orsin'iilarfclosure. The forwardl tubular end OfSaid cylinder I202 isclescped Within a1`eel`l206 dened by a ysp'ool'or druni'having a' base provided with acentral opening to whchthe'forward end'of said cylinderA 202 is concentrically i connected either integrally' or by a screw'ithreaded 'or rivetedfconnection,"or the 1i'ke.`

Within said 'cylinder202' a 'slingifs defined by a'plunger 208'and'actuating'eoilfspring 210 therefor positioned on aslidableiaxial `shaft ZIZ'xtending through av passage in saidrearward ivi/al1 204 o'f said'cylinder`f202and provided with` a suitable knob" or i'n'ger' gripV 214.A Thefarrange-V ment isrs'uch that the spinning line 18 is' wound supon the 'ree1'206' and"p'repared with a slack'p'ortion'outside thereel'ca'rryi'ng one or more` hooks 2,16 and asinker 24 or other objectsecured'to the terminal endof said line 18 extending Vthrouglifthe opening in the base of the'r'eel 206y into lthe cylinder L202 where said sinkerY 24r`ests against the plunger 208 preparatory to a castingopera-` tion.

' lIn a casting operation, the cylinder 202 deines aliandle for the `apparatus as thekn'ob or "finger grip' 214l is pulled to cause the' plunger 208 to compress the coil spring 210 against the rearward end wall 204 of 'said cylinder 202 `therebytensioning said spring 210. When the knob or finger grip 214 is released, the compressed coil spring 210 expands instantaneously to provide a pronounced spring force on the plunger 208 which in turn projectsthe sinker 124er other object in a casting operation substantially similar to that describedV with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. This form of the invention,`1ilc`e'wise,` may be provided with any of the desirable features or elements in'the previously described forms of the 4i11- vention 'for operation and use in the manner described with reference to Figs. '1 and 2.

While the invention has`been" described in detail with specific examples, such examples are intended' as illustratlonsonly, inasmuch `as itwillbe apparent that other. modifications in'the construction', arrangement and general combination of `parts,'elements`jand new'and 'different featuresin the various 'forms' of the improved apparatus may 'be provided withoutj departing from the' spirit and scope'of`theinvention. Thepresent embodiments 'are therefore to Ab e` considered in all respects' as illustrativev and not restrictive, the scope of the invention'being indicated by the appended'clairns rather than by the foregoing description,l with `all changes falling withinv the scope, meaning and range Vof equivalency of the claims intended tobe embraced therein. v i

What isclaimed and desired tobe secured by United States Letters Patent Iis:

1. A casting apparatus comprising a handle, a body portion connected to the handle, said body portion comprising a cylindrical tube having a substantial length measured along its axis, a Slingshot sling having its ends connected `to said tube adjacentfone edge thereof, the portion of the tube adjacent its other edge serving as a reel, and a coil of shing line carried thereon, said line having one end tethered to the tube and a weight secured adjacent the other end of the line.

2. A casting apparatus as dened in claim 1, said hant dle being hollow and open at its lower end, and a removable closurc for said open end.

3. A casting apparatus comprising a handle, a body portion connected to the handle, said body portion com prising a cylindrical tube having a substantial length measured along its axis, a Slingshot sling having its ends connected to said tube adjacent 'one edge thereof,'the portion of the tube adjacent itsother edge'having a rotatable tube mounted thereon to form a spinning reel, and a coil of shing line on said reel, said line having one end secured to said reel and a weight secured adjacent its other end.

4. A casting apparatus comprising a handle, a body portion connected to the handle, said body portion comprising a cylindrical tube having a substantial length measured along its axis, projections extending from said tube, a Slingshot sling having itsends connected to said projections, and a coil of fishing line carried on said tube, said line having one end tethered to the tube and a weight secured adjacent the other end of the line.

5. A casting apparatus comprising a handle, a body portion connected to the handle, said body portion comprising a cylindrical tube having a substantial length measured along its axis, projections extending from said tube, a Slingshot sling having its ends connected to said projections, said cylindrical tube having a rotatable tube mounted thereon to form a spinning reel, and a coil of shing line on said reel, said line having one end secured to said reel and a weight secured adjacent itsother end.

lReferences Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 306,234 Fox Oct. 7, 1884 736,051 Adams Aug. 11, 1903 1,133,189 Shannon 'Man 23, 1915 1,699,416 Wheeler Jan. 15, 1929 2,149,518 Frank Mar. 7, 1939 2,247,561 Rowe July 1, 1941 2,381,089 Tweit Aug. 7, 1945 2,408,984 Lawson Oct. 8, 1946 2,504,525` Holderness Apr. 18, 1950 2,561,572 Herrington July 24, 1951 2,589,776 Colgrove Mar. 18, 1952 `2,709,318 Benjamin May 3l, 1955 2,715,895 Loveless Aug. 23, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 128,286 Australia July 12, 1948 80,964 Norway Nov.` 3, 1952 

